Marking apparatus for imprinting characters on articles being successively conveyed



June 27, 1967 M. B. BEAVER 3,327,624

MARKING APPARATUS FOR IMPRINTING CHARACTERS ON ARTICLES BEINGSUCCESSIVELY CONVEYED 1 Filed May 24. 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 lfl g L as[/2 l/eatar-x Mlle/d5. 50a var;

by W

June 27, 1967 M, E ER 3,327,624

MARKING APPARATUS FOR IMPRINTING CHARACTERS ON ARTICLES BEINGSUCCESSIVELY CONVEYED Filed May 24, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 frl/ewzor:7/'//ard5. 568 var 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 M B. BEAVER BEING SUCCESSIVELYCONVEYED MARKING APPARATUS FOR IMPRINTING CHARACTERS ON ARTICLES June27, 1967 Filed May 24. 1965 United States Patent 3,327,624 MARKINGAHARATUS FOR IMPRINTING CHAR- ACTERS ON ARTICLES BEING SUCCESSIVELYCONVEYED Millard B. Beaver, 2101 Lawndale, Fort Wayne, Ind. 46805 FiledMay 24, 1965, Ser. No. 458,358 12 Claims. (Cl. 101-35) ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A marking apparatus comprising a frame having an elongatedarm pivotally mounted thereon, a marking wheel mounted on the arm forrotation about an axis parallel to the axis of pivoting of the arm onthe frame, a spring [for yieldably urging the arm away from the frame,an eccentric adjusting shaft journaled in said arm, an inking rolldevice rotatably mounted on said shaft and having a periphery positionedfor operative engagement with the periphery of the marking wheel, saidinking roll device including an elongated cylindrical arbor coaxiallyrotatably mounted on said shaft, a barrel element removably mounted onthe arbor for retaining a circumferentially extending ink-retainingdevice thereon, said marking Wheel including means for mounting type onthe outer periphery thereof.

The present invention relates to a marking apparatus and moreparticularly to marking apparatus for printing codes or characters onarticles successively conveyed along a given path.

It is conventional to print codes, such as date codes, directly ontoarticles or onto cartons containing articles, as the latter are conveyedalong a given path by means of endless conveyors or the like. Varioustypes of apparatuses have been devised and used for the purpose ofapplying the code automatically; however, such apparatuses have sufferedfrom the deficiency, in some percentage of the operation thereof, of notprinting legibly or of not being readily adjustable during operation.Improper contact of the printing type with the surface being imprintedhas largely been responsible for this deficiency, in some instances theirregularity of the surface being imprinted being the cause and in otherinstances the marking apparatus itself being inadequate in theapplication of a consistent, proper printing force.

In order to print consistently and legibly, it is necessary for theprinting apparatus not only to be capable of proper adjustment but alsothat it respond precisely to irregularities in the surface being printedsuch that at all times the proper printing force will be applied to thesurface during printing operations.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a marking apparatuswhich is capable of printing legibly on the surfaces of articles orcartons as they are conveyed sequentially along a given path.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a markingapparatus which may be adjusted while in operation for the purpose ofobtaining a legible marking within a minimum of time and in a reliablemanner.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a markingapparatus which is continuously operable and which carries aself-contained ink supply capable of being adjustably applied to theprinting type While the apparatus is in operation.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide a markingapparatus having a self-contained inking device capable of facilemanipulation for renewal or replenishment of an ink supply.

Other objects will become apparent as the description proceeds.

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptionof an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention in theprocess of performing printing functions on a succession of cartonsbeing conveyed along a given path;

FIG. 2 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the printing wheel takensubstantially along section line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view of the opposite side of the apparatus partially brokenaway and sectioned for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the printing wheel and indexing assemblypartially broken away and sectioned for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 5,taken substantially along section line 66 thereof;

FIG. 7 is a partial axial section of the inking roll assembly of thisinvention;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are end views of the arbor and hub portions,respectively, in position to be assembled together; and

FIG. 9 1s a side view of the hub portion of the assembly of FIG. 7.

Referring to the drawings, which are substantially to scale, and moreparticularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, an elongated steel bar or frame 10 isclamped at its righthand end onto a stationary (in the illustratedinstance, vertically extending) bar 12 suitably rigidly clamped orsecured to a stationary support 14 The clamping or attachment of theframe 10 to the bar 12 is by means of a split collar 16 surrounding thebar 12, which is tightly secured thereto by means of suitable screws 18.Pivotal adjustment of the frame 10 about the rod 12 is made possible byloosening the screws 18 and tightening the same at the position at whichthe frame 10 is to be operated.

Depending beneath (as shown in FIG. 4) the frame 10 intermediate theends thereof are a pair of spaced-apart lugs 20. A supporting arm 22 isfitted between these lugs 20 and is pivotally secured thereto by meansof a pivot pin 24. By this means, the arm 22 is capable of being swungtoward and away from the frame 10.

In the left-hand end of the frame 10 is a longitudinally extending slot26 which receives with clearance a bolt 28. The lower end of this boltis threaded into the arm 22, while the upper end thereof is providedwith a head 30 engageable with the upper side of the frame 10 forlimiting the downward movement of the bolt 28. By means of theattachment of this bolt 28 with the arm 22, the sep- The ends of thisspring 70 r.) aration movement between the arm 22 and the frame islimited. This separation distance is controlled by the adjustment of thebolt 28 in the arm 22.

An inclined elongated socket 32 opens adjacent to the under side (FIG.4) of the frame 10 and receives a helical compression spring 34 therein.An adjusting screw 36 is threaded through the frame 10 and bears againstthe upper end of the spring 34, the axis of this screw 36 being in linewith the axis of the socket 32 and the spring 34. A slight clearance isprovided between the spring 34 and the socket 32 for permitting thecompressed height of the spring 34 to be adjusted by turning the screw36. Thus, the arm 22 is spring-urged away from the frame 10 about thepivot 24 and the force of this is controlled by adjustment of the screw36. Enough clearance is provided between the socket 32 and the lowerextremity of the screw 36 to permit movement of the arm 22 to its usableoperating angle.

An inking-roll device or assembly, indicated generally by the referencenumeral 38, is rotatably mounted on the arm 22 by means of an eccentricshaft indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. This eccentricshaft 40 has a journal portion 42 journaled in a bearing aperture 44 inthe arm 22 as shown more clearly in FIG. 4. This journal portion 42 isprovided with a circumferential groove 46 into Which the tip end 48 of aset screw 50, which is threaded through the arm 22, enters. This screw50 is preferably of metal; however, the tip 48 is made of nylon toprovide for a smooth, rubbing engagement with the groove 46. The screw50 is adjusted to bear against the groove 46 with a sufficient amount offorce to permit the shaft 40 to be rotationally adjusted manually butwith sufficient force to hold the shaft 48 in this position while theapparatus is operating.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 1 and 4, the shaft 40 extends to one sideof the arm 22 far enough to have a handle 32 secured thereto.

An eccentric shaft extension 52 on shaft 40 extends beyond the oppositeside of the arm 22 and in parallelism with the pivot pin 24. On thiseccentric extension 52 is rotatably mounted a cylindrical arborgenerally indicated by the numeral 54 and shown alone in FIG. 8a.Suitable bearings rotatably mount the arbor 54 on the shaft extension 52such that the arbor 54 may freely rotate.

Intermediate the ends of the arbor 54 is an annular or circumferentialgroove 58 which serves a purpose later to be explained. The outer end ofthe arbor may be slightly tapered as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8a.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8a, a disc-like flange 60 which lies in a planenormal to the axis of the arbor 54 is secured to one end of the arbor.

Adapted to be slidably telescoped over the arbor 54 is a hub elementshown individually in FIGS. 8b and 9 and in assembly in FIG. 7. This hubelement, indicated generally by the numeral 62, is of cylindricalconfiguration and is provided with a coaxial bore 64 of a size having asliding clearance with the outer surface of the arbor 54. Integrallyformed on the hub 52 are three axially projecting lugs 66 spaced 120apart and disposed immediately adjacent to the bore 64. Each of theselugs 66 in the outer radial portions thereof has a circumferentiallyextending groove 68, and stretched over these lugs 66 and fittinginto'the grooves 68 is a helical tension spring 70. are connectedtogether so as to provide a closed loop such that upon being stretchedover the lugs 66 as shown the spring 70 assumes a generally triangularshape with the straight sides thereof being positioned inside thecircumferential extent of the bore 64. This is best illustrated in FIG.9. Unattached, the spring 70 resembles an ordinary rubber band in shapeand stretching characteristics.

Integrally formed with and as a part of the hub 62 is a disc-like flange72, this flange extending at right angles to the axis of the hub 62.Inte'grally formed with and axially extending from the flange 72 is acylindrical barrel element 74, the diameter of this barrel element 74being smaller than the outer diameter of the flange 72. The flange 60 onthe arbor and the flange 72 on the hub preferably are of equal diameter.Also, the barrel element 74 extends axially from the flange 72 in adirection to surround thelugs 66 and the detent spring 70.

The arbor 54 and hub 62 are easily assembled together by telescoping thehub 62 over the arbor 54 until the detent spring 70 drops into the arborgroove 58. The location of the spring 70 and the length of the barrelelement 74 are so related that the detent spring 70 will engage thearbor groove 58 as the end of the barrel element 74 engages the flange60. This then provides the assembly shown in FIG. 7.

Axially extending from the flange 72 in a direction opposite the barrelelement 74 is an annular knob 76 which may be easily grasped by thefingers for the purpose of assembling or disassembling the arbor and hubmembers.

An annular ink-containing element is snugly slidably retained on thebarrel element 74 in contact with the two flanges do and 72. Thisannular element 78, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, is ofa construction known by the registered trademark as Porelon, which is amicro-porous plastic capable of retaining printing ink therein. Such amaterial is disclosed in US. Patent No.

2,777,824. In operation, the liquid ink contained in the pores feeds tothe outer peripheral surface of the element 78 by the process ofosmosis. The liquid on the.

surface is replenished by the liquid inside as it distributes itselfthroughout the plastic.

This annular inking element 78 is easily installed by merely sliding itonto the barrel element 74 (8b) and then fitting the hub member 62 ontothe arbor 54. When it is desired to replace this inking element 78, itis only necessary to withdraw the hub member 62 from the arbor 54,remove the ink roll 78 from the barrel 74, and then replace this roll 78with a new one.

A marking wheel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 8%), ismounted on the left-hand end of the arm 22 (FIG. 4) for rotation aboutan axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the inking roller 38.

The wheel 80 itself includes a rim portion 82 and a disc orrim-supporting portion 84, the latter having an enlarged center opening86 shown more clearly in FIG. 6.

The rim portion 82 is provided with two circumferential slotconfigurations indicated, respectively, by the reference numerals 88 and90'. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, these slots 88 and 90 are inside-by-side, axially spaced relationship. Preferably, these slots 88and 90 have the configurations as disclosed in Patents Nos. 3,071,071and 3,093,070. Rubber type 92, also as disclosed in the previouslymentioned patents, is fitted into the slot 88 while driving elementshavin essentially the same shape as rubber type as disclosed in theaforesaid patents are fitted into the slot 90. As shown more clearly inFIG. 4, there are a plurality of these elements 94 fitted into the slot9%, in end-to-end relaionship, these elements 94 resembling a rubbertire on a wheel. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the peripheralsurfaces of the type 92 and the driving elements 94 are substantiallythe same diameters. Both the type 92 and the driving elements 94preferably are made of rubber; however, the elements 94 are designed tobe more compressible and preferably are fabricated of softer rubber.

Secured to one side of the wheel disc 84, as shown in FIG. 2, is anindexing mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 96. This mechanismincludes a metallic casing 98 (generally cylindrical) having one end 100of a shaft 102 coaxially journaled therein. As shown more clearly inFIG. 6, the casing 96 is hollow, having a generally cylindrical innerwall 104 and a rear end wall 106. The end 100 of the shaft 102 isjournaled in the end wall 106.

The casing 98 is secured to the wheel disc 84 by means of two screws 108in such position that the shaft 102 is located coaxially with respect tothe wheel rim 82. The shaft 102 extends through the wheel disc 84 and issecured to the left-hand end of the arm 22 as shown more clearly inFIGS. 1 and 4. The shaft 102 is so positioned on the arm 22 that theaxis thereof is parallel to the axis of the inking roller 38 and alsosuch that the outer periphery of the inking roller 38 is in registrywith the type 92 on the wheel 80.

The indexing mechanism further includes a cam 119 secured to the shaft100 as shown more clearly in FIG. 5. This cam 110, in one embodiment ofthis invention, is roughly heart-shaped or eccentric, having a highportion 112 and a low portion 114.

The casing 96 is further provided with a slot 116 (FIG. 6) within whicha follower arm 118 is positioned. This follower arm 118 is pivotallymounted on a pin 120 secured at its opposite ends into portions of thecasing 96 whereby the follower arm 118 may be swung about an axis whichis parallel to the axis of the shaft 102.

The inner end of the arm 118 is provided with a roller 122 engaged withthe outer periphery of the earn 110. The opposite end 124 of thefollower arm is engaged by a helical compression spring 126 which bearsat its other end against a portion 128 of the casing. A pin 130 suitablysecured to the portion 128 fits inside the spring 126 for holding thelatter in position. This spring 126 is designed to exert a force whichholds the roller 122 in engagement with the surface of the cam 110. Asis shown more clearly in FIG. 5, the length of the follower arm on thecam side of the pivot pin 120 is longer than the length thereof on thespring side. The reason for this will become apparent from thedescription that follows.

A flat metal indexing arm 132 is secured to the central portion of thewheel disc 80 by means of screens 133 as shown more clearly in FIGS. 4and 6. This arm projects beyond the periphery of the wheel 80 andcarries a light nylon roller 134 on the outer extremity thereof.

As will now be understood, the shaft 102 and the cam 110 are stationarywhile the wheel 80, the casing 96 and its follower arm 118 arerotatable, as a unit, thereabout. The engagement of the follower arm118, and more precisely the roller 122, with the cam 110 normallymaintains the wheel 80 in a single rotational position, this positioncorresponding to the engagement of the roller 122 with the low portion114 of the cam. The maintenance of this rotational position is providedby the spring 126 bearing against the end 124 of the follower arm 118.As the wheel 80 is rotated, the roller 122 rides over the cam peripherycausing corresponding swinging of the follower arm 118 and flexing ofthe spring 126. Since all of the portions of the cam 110 are higher thanportion 114, if no rotational force is applied to the wheel 80, and itis permitted to seek its own position, engagement of the follower arm118 with the cam 110 will always cause the wheel 80 to rotate to theposition shown in FIG. 5.

In setting the apparatus up for operation, it is initially mountedadjacent to a conveyor line. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a series ofboxes or cartons 136 are being conveyed along a straight line path inthe direction indicated by the arrows 138 with markings from theprinting wheel 80 being made on the upright sides of the boxes. Such amarking, indicated by the numeral 140, is shown in FIG. 1. In makingimprints on the boxes 136, the apparatus of this invention is initiallymounted on supporting rod 12 which is held in an upright position. Thelimit screw 30 is adjusted to a position (see FIG. 4) at which theperiphery of the printing wheel just clears the side of one box 136.This relationship is shown in FIG. 4. Next, the set screw 5%) isadjusted to a position at which it engages the eccentric shaft 40 withsome tightness but not so tight that the shaft 40 cannot be rotatedmanually by swinging the handle 32. The screw 50 being so adjusted, thehandle 32 is swung to a position at which the periphery of the inkingroll 78 just touches the type face of the elements 92. This engagementis shown in FIG. 2. The engagement should be suflicient that the inkingroll 38 will be rotated in response to the rotation of the wheel 80.

Referring to FIG. 4, as the box 138 moves toward the left, it engagesthe indexing arm 132 which imparts rotation to the printing wheel 80.This rotation is far enough such that the first drive element 94a on thewheel 80 engages the side of the box 136 and causes continued rotationclockwise (FIG. 4) of the wheel 80 until the type 92 is also broughtinto rolling engagement with the box sidev Continued movement of the box136 causes corresponding rotation of the printing wheel 80 until the box136 passes clear of the printing wheel 80. When this happens, theindexing mechanism 96 immediately returns the printing wheel 80 to theposition shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to place the apparatus in readiness forimprinting the next succeeding carton. Thus, as each carton passes bythe apparatus, an imprint will be made thereon.

While the apparatus is thus in operation, proper inking of the type 92is simply accomplished by merely shifting the handle 32 so as to movethe inking roller 38 into or out of more intimate engagement with thetype 92. Thus, the operator can watch the printing results as theapparatus operates and adjust the inking roller 38 until the desiredprint is obtained. Since the shaft 40 is frictionally held in positionby means of the set screw 50, no further adjustment need be made inorder to hold the inking roller 38 in this proper inking position. Theapparatus can proceed to operate over an extended period of time untilthe surface of the inking roller 38 wears sufiiciently to require anadditional adjustment by operation of the handle 32. Thus, the inkingroller 38 can be adjusted while the apparatus is in full operationwithout necessitating -a shutdown of the conveyor which transports theboxes 136.

Because of the variation in surface regularity as well as surfacematerials, it is necessary that an apparatus of this nature be capableof printing legibly thereon, irrespective of these inconsistencies. Thiscapability is built into the present apparatus by reason of the dual arm10, 22 suspension, the adjustable spring force brought about byadjustment of the screw 36, and the adjustment of the wheel 80 withrespect to the boxes 136 being printed by operating the screw 30. Theexact degree of force with which the type 92 is applied against theboxes 136 is made possible by reason of the spring 34. Thus, while themachine is operated, the adjusting screw 36 may be turned until thedesired degree of printing force is obtained, which thereby results in aclear imprint being made on the boxes 136.

Recapitulating, adjustment of the parts 30, 36 and 32 while theapparatus is in operation provides quick and reliable means forobtaining clear imprints without necessitating a shutdown of theconveyor or any disassembling of the apparatus.

The replacement of the annular inking element 78, as explainedpreviously, is simple and expeditious by reason of the fact that it isonly necessary to withdraw manually the hub member 62 from the arbor 54,change the inking element 78 and then replace the hub member 62 onto thearbor 54. Precise inking adjustment for obtaining legible imprints ismade simple by reason of the handle 32 and inhibited rotation of theeccentric shaft 40. Adjustments of the apparatus for applying theprecise amount of printing force needed in order to obtain legibleimprints is made possible by the adjustments 30 and 36. Duringoperation, if any of the box or article surfaces upon which imprints arebeing made should prove to be uneven or irregular, the arm 22 can flextherewith by reason of the ability of the arm 22 to swing relative tothe frame 10. All of these factors combine to make versatile theapparatus of this invention in the respect of the imprinting of articlesof different materials, sizes, shapes and the like.

The shaft 162 is mounted on the end of arm 22 by means of a split clamparrangement adjustably secured or tightened about shaft 102 by a screw103. This screw 103 is threaded into the arm 22 through the splitportion 105 thereof.

A further feature of versatility in this apparatus resides in thecapability of reversing the various shafts, the marking wheel 80 and theinking roll 38 to the opposite side of the frame 10 and arm 22 from thatshown in, the drawings.

While the feeding of the cartons in FIG. 1 is shown as being in thedirection of the arrows 138, this direction may be reversed, assuming,of course, that the indexing arm 132 and the apparatus otherwise isadjusted to accommodate this reversal.

While there have been described above the principles of this inventionin connection with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understoodthat this description is made only by way of example and not as alimitation to the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A marking apparatus comprising an elongated frame adapted at one endto be stationarily mounted, a mounting lug projecting from one side ofsaid frame between the ends thereof, an elongated arm pivotally mountedat one end on said lug for swinging movement toward and away from saidframe, a marking wheel mounted on the opposite end of said arm forrotation about an axis par allel to the axis of swinging movement ofsaid arm, a longitudinally extending slot in the other end of saidframe, a bolt received with clearance by said slot and threaded intosaid arm, said bolt having a head engageable with the side of said frameopposite said arm for limiting the swinging movement of said arm awayfrom said frame, an elongated socket in said arm which opens toward saidframe, the axis of said socket intersecting said frame, a compressionspring in said socket, an adjusting screw threaded through said frameentering said socket and engaging one end of said spring wherebymovement of said arm toward said frame results in compression of saidspring and the development of a spring force urging said arm away fromsaid frame, an adjusting shaft having a journal portion mounted forrotation in said arm and having an axis parallel to the axis of saidmarking wheel, the opposite end portions of said adjusting shaftprojecting beyond said arm, said journal portion having acircumferential groove, an adjusting screw threaded into said arm andhaving a nylon tip on the end thereof which fits into said groovewhereby said shaft may be frictionally resisted in rotation and heldagainst axial movement, said adjusting shaft having an eccentric shaftextension on one end portion which extends beyond said arm, the otherend portion of said adjusting shaft hav ing a radially extending handlethereon for rotationally positioning said shaft in said arm; aninking-roll device rotatably mounted on said shaft extension and havinga periphery positioned for operative engagement with the periphery ofsaid marking wheel, said inking-roll device comprising an elongatedcylindrical arbor coaxially rotatably mounted on said shaft extensionwhich has a disclike flange on one end thereof, said flange defining aplane normal to the axis of rotation of said arbor, a circumferentialcoaxial groove in the outer surface of said arbor intermediate the endsof the latter, a hub telescopically removably fitted onto said arbor,said hub having on the side thereof facing said flange three equallyangularly spaced lugs which are adjacent to said arbor and projecttoward said flange, said three lugs having radially outwardly facingportions provided with spring-retaining grooves, a loop tension springstretched over said three lugs and engaging said spring-retaininggrooves thereby retaining and shaping said loop spring into asubstantially triangular configuration having a center which coincideswith the axis of said arbor, said loop spring being tensioned andengaging the groove in said arbor thereby retaining said hub on saidarbor, said hub having a second disc-like flange, thereon which isparallel to and spaced from the first-named flange, said second flangehaving a cylindrical barrel element thereon which extends toward saidfirst-named flange, said barrel element coaxially surrounding said arborin spaced relationship, said barrel element also'surrounding andenclosing said three lugs, an annular knob-like element on said hubcoaxially projecting beyond said second flange in a direction oppositesaid barrel element; said marking wheel including a cylindrically shapedrim having means for mounting type on the outer periphery thereof, adisc-like rim-supporting member secured to said rim adjacent to one endof the latter; an indexing device comprising a casing having one end ofa shaft journaled therein, an eccentric cam secured to the last-namedshaft for rotation therewith, said cam having at least one highportionvand one low portion, a follower arm pivotally mountedintermediate its ends onto said casing, said follower arm having aroller on one end operatively engaged with said cam, a compressionspring mounted on said casing and engaging the other end of saidfollower arm, said last-named spring urging said follower arm rollerinto engagement with said cam, the lever arm of said follower armbetween saidroller and the pivotal mounting being longer than the leverarm on the spring side thereof, said casing surrounding said cam' andpartially enclosing said follower arm; said casing being secured to therim-supporting member of said wheel with the last-named shaft projectingthrough said rimsupporting member in coaxial relation to said rim, saidlast-named shaft being secured to said opposite end of said arm; and anindexing arm fixedly secured to said wheel and projecting radiallybeyond the perimeter thereof in order to engage successively conveyedarticles to impart rotation to said wheel.

2. A marking apparatus comprising an elongated frame adapted at one endto be tstationarily mounted, an elongated arm pivotally mounted at oneend on said frame between the ends of and for movement toward and awayfrom the latter, a marking wheel mounted on the opposite end of said armfor rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of swinging movement ofsaid arm, a longitudinally extending slot in the other end of saidframe, a bolt received with clearance by said slot and threaded intosaid arm, said bolt having a head engageable with the side of said frameopposite said arm for limiting the swinging movement of said arm awayfrom said frame, an elongated socket in saidarm which opens toward saidframe, the axis of said socket intersecting said frame, a compressionspring in said socket, an adjusting screw threaded through said frameentering said socket and engaging one end of said spring wherebymovement of said arm toward said frame results in compression of saidspringand the development of a spring force urging said arm away fromsaid frame, an adjusting shaft having a journal portion mounted forrotation in said arm and having an axis parallel to the axis of saidmarking wheel, the opposite end portions of said adjusting shaftprojecting beyond said arm, said journal portion having acircumferential groove, an adjusting screw threaded into said arm andhaving a nylon tip on the end thereof which fits into said groovewhereby said shaft may be frictionally resisted in rotation and heldagainst axial movement, said adjusting shaft having an eccentric shaftextension on one end portion which extends beyond said arm, the otherend portion of said adjusting shaft having a radially extending handlethereon for rotationally positioning said shaft in said arm; aninking-roll device rotatably mounted on said shaft extension and havinga periphery positioned for operative engagement with the periphery ofsaid marking wheel, said inking-roll device comprising an elongatedcylindrical arbor coaxially rotatably mounted on said shaft extensionwhich has a disc-like flange on one end thereof, said flange defining aplane normal to the axis of rotation of said arbor, a circumferentialcoaxial groove in the outer surface of said arbor intermediate the endsof the latter, a hub telescopically removably fitted into said arbor,said hub having on the side thereof facing said flange three equallyangularly spaced lugs which are adjacent to said arbor and projecttoward said flange, said three lugs having radially outwardly facingportions provided With spring-retaining grooves, a loop tension springstretched over said three lugs and engaging said spring-retaininggrooves thereby retaining and shaping said loop spring into asubstantially triangular configuration having a center which coincideswith the axis of said arbor said loop spring being tensioned andengaging the groove in said arbor thereby retaining said hub on saidarbor, said hub having a second disc-like flange thereon which isparallel to and spaced from the first-named flange, said second flangehaving a cylindrical barrel element thereon which extends toward saidfirst-named flange, said barrel element coaxially surrounding said arborin spaced relationship, said barrel element also surrounding andenclosing said three lugs, an annular knob-like element on said hubcoaxially projecting beyond said second flange in a direction oppositesaid barrel element; said marking Wheel including a cylindrically shapedrim having means for mounting type on the outer periphery thereof, adisc-like rim-supporting member secured to said rim adjacent to one endof the latter; an indexing device comprising a casing having one end ofa shaft journaled therein, an eccentric cam secured to the last-namedshaft for rotation therewith, a follower arm pivotally mountedintermediate its ends onto said casing, said follower arm having aroller on one end operatively engaged with said cam, 21 compressionspring mounted on said casing and engaging the other end of saidfollower arm, said last-named spring urging said follower arm rollerinto engagement with said cam, the lever arm of said follower armbetween said roller and the pivotal mounting being longer than the leverarm on the spring side thereof, said casing surrounding said cam andpartially enclosing said follower arm; said casing being secured to therim-supporting member of said wheel with the last-named shaft projectingthrough said rim-supporting member in coaxial relation to said rim, andsaid last-named shaft being secured to said opposite end of said arm.

3. A marking apparatus comprising an elongated frame, adapted at one endto be stationarily mounted, a mount ing lug projecting from one side ofsaid frame between the ends thereof, an elongated arm pivotally mountedat one end on said frame between the ends of and for swinging movementtoward and away from the latter, a marking wheel mounted on the oppositeend of said arm for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis ofswinging movement of said arm, means for limiting the swinging movementof said arm away from said frame, an elongated socket in said arm whichopens toward said frame, the axis of said socket intersecting saidframe, a compression spring in said socket, an adjusting screw threadedthrough said frame entering said socket and engaging one end of saidspring whereby movement of said arm toward said frame results incompression of said spring and the development of a spring force urgingsaid arm away from said frame, an adjusting shaft having a journalportion mounted for rotation in said arm and having an axis parallel tothe axis of said marking wheel, said journal portion having acircumferential groove, an adjusting screw threaded into said arm andhaving a nylon tip on the end thereof which fits into said groovewhereby said shaft may be frictionally resisted in rotation and heldagainst axial movement, said shaft having an eccentric shaft extensionthereon which extends beyond said arm; an inkingroll device rotatablymounted on said shaft extension and having a periphery positioned foroperative engagement with the periphery of said marking wheel, saidinking-roll device comprising an elongated cylindrical arbor coaxiallyrotatably mounted on said shaft extension and having a disc-like flangeon one end thereof, said flange defining 10 a plane normal to the axisof rotation of said arbor, a circumferential coaxial groove in the outersurface of said arbor intermediate the ends of the latter, a hubtelescopically removably fitted onto said arbor, said hub having on theside thereof facing said flange three equally angularly spaced lugswhich are adjacent to said arbor and project toward said flange, saidthree lugs having radially outwardly facing portions provided withspring-retaining grooves, a loop tension spring stretched over saidthree lugs and engaging said spring-retaining grooves thereby retainingand shaping said loop spring into a substantially triangularconfiguration having a center which coincides with the axis of saidarbor, said loop spring being tensioned and engaging the groove in saidarbor thereby retaining said hub on said arbor, said hub having a seconddisc-like flange thereon which is parallel to and spaced from thefirst-named flange, said second flange having a cylindrical barrelelement thereon which extends toward said first-named flange, saidbarrel element coaxially surrounding said arbor in spaced relationship,said barrel element also surrounding and enclosing said three lugs, anannular knob-like element on said hub coaxially projecting beyond saidsecond flange in a direction opposite said barrel element; and saidmarking wheel including means for mounting type on the outer peripherythereof. 4; A marking apparatus comprising an elongated frame adapted atone end to be stationarily mounted, a mounting lug projecting from oneside of said frame between the ends thereof, an elongated arm pivotallymounted at one end on said frame between the ends of and for swingingmovement toward and away from the latter, a marking wheel mounted on theopposite end of said arm for rotation about an axis parallel to the axisof swinging movement of said arm, means for limiting the swingingmovement of said arm away from said frame, means yieldably urging saidarm away from said frame, an adjusting shaft having a journal portionmounted for rotation in said arm and having an axis parallel to the axisof said marking wheel, means for holding said adjusting shaft in anadjusted rotational position, said shaft having an eccentric shaftextension thereon which extends beyond said arm; an inking-roll devicerotatably mounted on said shaft extension and having a peripherypositioned for operative engagement with the periphery of said markingwheel, said inking-roll device comprising an elongated cylindrical arborcoaxially rotatably mounted on said shaft extension and having adisc-like flange on one end thereof, said flange defining a plane normalto the axis of rotation of said arbor, a circumferential coaxial groovein the outer surface of said arbor intermediate the ends of the latter,a hub telescopically removably fitted onto said arbor, said hub havingon the side thereof facing said flange three equally angularly spacedlugs which are adjacent to said arbor and project toward said flange,said three lugs having radially outwardly facing portions provided withspring-retaining grooves, a loop tension spring stretched over saidthree lugs and engaging said springretaining grooves thereby retainingand reshaping said loop spring into a substantially triangularconfiguration having a center which coincides with the axis of saidarbor, said loop spring being tensioned and engaging the groove in saidarbor thereby retaining said hub on said arbor, said hub having a seconddisc-like flange thereon which is par allel to and spaced from thefirst-named flange, said second flange having a cylindrical barrelelement thereon which extends toward said first-named flange, saidbarrel element coaxially surrounding said arbor in spaced relationship,said barrel element also surrounding and enclosing said three lugs, andsaid marking wheel including means for mounting type on the outerperiphery thereof. 5 A marking apparatus comprising an elongated frame,an elongated arm pivotally mounted at one end on said frame between theends of and for swinging movement toward and away from the latter, amarking wheel mounted on the opposite end of said arm for rotation aboutan axis parallel to the axis of swinging movement of said arm, means forlimiting the swinging movement of sand arm away from said frame, meansyieldably urging said arm away from said frame, an adjusting shafthaving a journal portion mounted for rotation in said arm and having anaxis parallel to the axis of said marking wheel, means for holding saidadjusting shaft in an adjusted rotational position, said shaft having aneccentric shaft extension thereon which extends beyond said arm; aninkingroll device rotatably mounted on said shaft extension and having aperiphery positioned for operative engagement with the periphery of saidmarking Wheel, said marking wheel including a cylindrically shaped rimhaving means for mounting type on the outer periphery thereof, adisclike rim-supporting member secured to said rim adjacent to one endof the latter; an indexing device comprising a casing having one end ofa shaft journaled therein, an eccentric cam secured to the last-namedshaft for rotation therewith, a follower arm pivotally mountedintermediate its ends onto said casing, said follower arm having aroller on one end operatively engaged with said cam, a compressionspring mounted on said casing and engaging the other end of saidfollower arm, said last named spring urging said follower arm rollerinto engagement with said cam, said casing surrounding said cam andpartially enclosing said follower arm; said casing being securedto therim-supporting member of said wheel with the lastnamed shaft projectingthrough said rim-supporting member in coaxial relation to said rim, andsaid last-named shaft being secured to said opposite end of said arm.

6. A marking apparatus comprising an elongated frame adapted at one endto be stationarily mounted, an elongated arm pivotally mounted at oneend on said frame between the ends of and for swinging movement towardand away from the latter, a marking wheel mounted on the opposite end ofsaid arm for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of swingingmovement of said arm, means for limiting the swinging movement of saidarm away from said frame, means yieldably urging said arm away from saidframe, an adjusting shaft having a journal portion mounted for rotationin said arm and having an axis parallel to the axis of said markingwheel, means for holding said adjusting shaft in an adjusted rotationalposition, said shaft having an eccentric shaft extension thereon whichextends beyond said arm; an inking-roll device rotatably mounted on saidshaft extension and having a periphery positioned for operativeengagement with the periphery of said marking wheel, said inking-rolldevice comprising an elongated cylindrical arbor coaxially rotatablymounted on said shaft extension, means removably mounted on said arborfor retaining a circumferential extending ink-retaining device thereon,and said marking wheel including means for mounting type on the outerperihpery thereof.

7. A marking apparatus comprising an elongated frame adapted at one endto be stationarily mounted, an elongated arm pivotally mounted at oneend on said frame between the ends of and for swinging movement towardand away from the latter, a marking wheel mounted on the opposite end ofsaid arm for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of swingingmovement of said arm, means for limiting the swinging movement of saidarm away from said frame, means yieldably urging said arm away from saidframe, an adjusting shaft having a journal portion mounted for rotationin said arm and having an axis parallel to the axis of said markingwheel, means for holding said adjusting shaft in an adjusted rotationalposition, said shaft having an eccentric shaft extension thereon whichextends beyond said arm; an inking-roll device rotatably mounted on saidshaft extension and having a periphery positioned for operativeengagement with the periphery of said marking wheel, said inking-rolldevice comprising an elongated cylindrical arbor coaxially rotatablymounted on said shaft extension and having a disclike flange on one endthereof, said flange defining a plane normal to the axis of rotation ofsaid arbor, a hub, means removably mounting said hub on said arbor, saidhub having a second disc-like flange thereon which is parallel to andspaced from the first-named flange, said second flange having acylindrical barrel elementthereon which extends toward said first-namedflange, said barrel element coaxially surrounding said arbor in spacedrelationship, and said marking wheel including means for mounting typeon the outer periphery thereof.

8. For use in marking apparatus, an inking-roll device comprising ashaft extension, an elongated cylindrical arbor coaxially rotatablymounted on said shaft extension which has a disc-like flange on one endthereof, said flange defining a plane normal to the axis of rotation ofsaid arbor, a circumferential coaxial groove in the outer sur-.

face of said arbor intermediate the ends of the latter, a hubtelescopically removably fitted onto said arbor, said hub having on theside thereof facing said flange three equally angularly spaced lugswhich are adjacent to said arbor and project toward said flange, saidthree lugs having radially outwardly facing portions provided withspring-retaining grooves, a loop tension spring stretched over saidthree lugs and engaging said spring-retaining grooves thereby retainingand. shaping said loop spring into a substantially triangularconfiguration having a center which coincides with the axis of saidarbor, said loop spring being tensioned and engaging the groove in saidarbor thereby retaining said hub on said arbor, said hub having a seconddisc-like flange thereon which is parallel to and spaced from thefirst-named flange, said 7 second flange having a cylindrical barrelelement thereon which extends toward said first-named flange, saidbarrel element coaxially surrounding said arbor in spaced relationship,said barrel element also surrounding and enclosing said three lugs, anannular knob-like element on said hub coaxially projecting beyond saidsecond flange in a direction opposite said barrel element.

Q For use in marking apparatus, an elongated cylindrical arbor adaptedto be rotated about the axis thereof, a disc-like flange on one end ofsaid arbor, a hub telescopically removably fitted over the outside ofsaid arbor, means for positioning said hub on said arbor, detent meansfor detachably locking said hub onto said arbor, said hub having asecond disc-like flange thereon which is parallel to and spaced from thefirst-named flange, said second flange having a cylindrical barrelelement thereon which extends toward said first-named flange, saidbarrel element being spaced from said arbor and coaxial with respect tosaid axis, and a knob-like element on said hub projecting beyond saidsecond flange in a direction opposite to said barrel element.

10. For use, in marking apparatus, an indexing device comprising acasing having one end of a shaft journaled therein, an eccentric camsecured to the last-named shaft for rotation therewith, said cam havingat least one high portion and one low portion, a follower arm pivotallymounted intermediate its ends onto said casing, said follower arm havinga roller on one end operatively engaged with said cam, a compressionspring mounted on said casing and engaging the other end of saidfollower arrn, said last-named spring urging said follower ar-m rollerinto engagement with said cam, the lever arm of said follower armbetween said roller and the pivotal mounting being longer than the leverarm on the spring side thereof,

said casing surrounding said cam and partially enclosing said followerarm; a marking wheel having a rim and a radially extendingrim-supporting member, said casing being secured to the rim-supportingmember of said wheel with the last-named shaft projecting through saidrimsupporting member in coaxial relation to said rim.

11. For use in a marking apparatus, a marking wheel having a rim and aradially extending rim-supporting portion, indexing mechanism secured tosaid rim-supporting portion; said indexing mechanism including a shaftabout which said Wheel is rotatable, an eccentric cam fixedly mounted onsaid shaft, and means secured to said rim-supporting portion andengageable with said cam for yieldably urging said wheel to a givenrotational position.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 including a circumferentially extendingdrive element on said wheel, rubber type on said wheel spaced axiallyfrom said drive element, said drive element being of rubber material andmore compressible than said type, whereby engagement of a conveyedarticle by said drive element results in rotation 7/1890 Ray 1971757/1949 Thomas 242116 WILLIAM B. PENN, Primary Examiner.

10 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Examiner.

H. DINITZ, Assistant Examiner,

6. A MARKING APPARATUS COMPRISING AN ELONGATED FRAME ADAPTED AT ONE ENDTO BE STATIONARILY MOUNTED, AN ELONGATED ARM PIVOTALLY MOUNTED AT ONEEND ON SAID FRAME BETWEEN THE ENDS OF AND FOR SWINGING MOVEMENT TOWARDAND AWAY FROM THE LATTER, A MARKING WHEEL MOUNTED ON THE OPPOSITE END OFSAID ARM FOR ROTATION ABOUT AN AXIS PARALLEL TO THE AXIS OF SWINGINGMOVEMENT OF SAID ARM, MEANS FOR LIMITING THE SWINGING MOVEMENT OF SAIDARM AWAY FROM SAID FRAME, MEANS YIELDABLY URGING SAID ARM AWAY FROM SAIDFRAME, AN ADJUSTING SHAFT HAVING A JOURNAL PORTION MOUNTED FOR ROTATIONIN SAID ARM AND HAVING AN AXIS PARALLEL TO THE AXIS OF SAID MARKINGWHEEL, MEANS FOR HOLDING SAID ADJUSTING SHAFT IN AN ADJUSTED ROTATIONALPOSITION, SAID SHAFT HAVING AN ECCENTRIC SHAFT EXTENSION THEREON WHICHEXTENDS BEYOND SAID ARM, AN INKING-ROLL DEVICE